QA Specialist

PastryStar; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Health insurance

Advancement opportunities

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

PastryStar, located in Laurel, MD, is seeking a QA Specialist to support the Quality Control Manager in maintaining food safety, product quality, and regulatory compliance. The role covers SQF program support, documentation, and cross‑functional collaboration.

You will assist with audits, SOP development, training on GMPs, and maintaining thorough quality records while contributing to continuous improvement and product integrity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Quality Assurance, or a related field.
• 1–3 years of experience in a food manufacturing or food production environment.
• HACCP and PCQI certifications preferred; SQF Practitioner certification is a plus.
• Knowledge of GMPs, food safety programs, corrective actions, root-cause analysis, and statistical process control.
• Strong organizational, documentation, communication, and follow-up skills with close attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365, particularly Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain confidential records, and work effectively across departments.

Responsibilities

• Support the Quality Control Manager in maintaining food safety, product quality, regulatory compliance, and the SQF program.
• Perform quality assurance activities and maintain accurate documentation.
• Communicate deficiencies and support corrective actions across departments.
• Assist with regulatory, third-party, customer, food safety, and quality audits.
• Develop, review, and implement SOPs related to food safety and quality.
• Assist with employee training on food safety, GMPs, and applicable procedures.
• Maintain organized quality records and track critical data and test results.
• Coordinate sample submissions, lab paperwork, and test-result tracking.

Skills

Organizational skills

Documentation skills

Communication skills

Follow-up skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science/Technology/QA or related field

Tools

Word

Excel

Outlook

Teams

Job description

At PastryStar, we're more than a team, we're a family passionate about baking and innovation. We provide high-quality, all-natural, clean-label ingredients that help our customers create extraordinary products worldwide.

Joining us means:

• Innovation & Creativity: Work with cutting-edge pastry solutions and bring your ideas to life.
• Quality & Integrity: Be part of a team that values transparency, excellence, and ethical practices.
• Growth & Learning: Develop your skills in a supportive environment with industry experts.
• Team Spirit: Collaborate with a motivated, diverse, and passionate team.

If you love food, creativity, and making an impact in the bakery and pastry industry, PastryStar is the place for you!

About Us

PastryStar is located in Laurel, MD. Since 1986, the company has been manufacturing high quality, clean-label bakery ingredients (such as powder mixes, baking fruit jams, and fillings). Our core customers are industrial bakeries, in-store bakeries, and cruise lines.

What you'll do

The QA Specialist supports the Quality Control Manager in maintaining food safety, product quality, regulatory compliance, and the SQF program. This role performs quality assurance activities, maintains accurate documentation, communicates deficiencies, supports corrective actions, and provides administrative assistance to the Quality Control team.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform scheduled environmental monitoring tests and retests, trend results, and promptly communicate findings to the Quality Control Manager and appropriate personnel.
• Partner with Production and Sanitation teams to address deficiencies through training, corrective actions, and reinforcement of established procedures.
• Monitor compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices, including personnel practices, packaging controls, allergen management, and food defense requirements.
• Maintain logs of GMP deficiencies, corrective actions, verification activities, and follow-up results.
• Perform random verification of critical control point monitoring and confirm that required tests are completed correctly and documented accurately.
• Conduct or assist with site, brittle plastic and glass control, and knife and blade inspections; report maintenance concerns and document corrective actions.
• Inspect and document returned products and assist with the proper disposition of out-of-specification materials and finished goods.
• Perform routine quality control tasks in accordance with approved procedures.
• Oversee assigned prerequisite programs, which may include supplier approval, environmental and product testing, and allergen controls.
• Investigate customer complaints and internal nonconformities, support root-cause analysis, implement corrective actions, and verify their effectiveness.
• Assist with regulatory, third-party, customer, food safety, and quality audits.
• Participate in developing, reviewing, and implementing standard operating procedures related to food safety and quality.
• Support Research and Development activities as needed, including following formulas and accurately weighing and mixing ingredients.
• Assist with employee training on food safety, quality, GMPs, and applicable procedures.
• Maintain organized electronic and paper quality records, including product specifications, certificates, supplier documents, kosher certifications, safety data sheets, inspection records, and training documentation.
• Review quality records for completeness, accuracy, required signatures, and timely filing; follow up on missing or incomplete information.
• Enter, update, and track quality data in spreadsheets, logs, databases, and document-control systems.
• Prepare routine quality reports, summaries, trend charts, audit materials, and meeting documents.
• Manage document-control activities by issuing current forms, archiving obsolete versions, and supporting periodic reviews of policies and procedures.
• Coordinate sample submissions, laboratory paperwork, test-result tracking, and related correspondence.
• Schedule quality meetings, training sessions, inspections, and follow-up activities; record notes and track assigned action items.
• Monitor due dates for corrective actions, certifications, supplier documents, calibrations, inspections, and program reviews; send reminders and elevate overdue items.
• Assist with product-label creation and updates, ensuring approved information and revision controls are maintained.
• Respond to routine internal requests for quality documentation and provide general administrative support to the Quality Control Manager.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Quality Assurance, or a related field preferred.
• One to three years of experience in a food manufacturing or food production environment.
• HACCP and PCQI certifications preferred; SQF Practitioner certification is a plus.
• Knowledge of GMPs, food safety programs, corrective actions, root-cause analysis, and statistical process control.
• Strong organizational, documentation, communication, and follow-up skills with close attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365, particularly Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain confidential records, and work effectively across departments.

PastryStar is proud to provide a clean, safe, and quality-driven environment. We are an equal opportunity employer and value teamwork, food safety, and operational excellence.

PLEASE NOTE: WE E-VERIFY.

All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Employment eligibility will be confirmed through the E-Verify system.

Job Type: Full-time

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Laurel, MD 20723 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Laurel, MD 20723: Relocate before starting work (Required)

PastryStar is more than a food manufacturer—it’s a team driven by passion, craftsmanship, and innovation. Founded by a French pastry chef and rooted in over 35 years of expertise, we create high-quality, clean-label ingredients that help professionals bring exceptional desserts to life. At PastryStar, we don't just make products—we solve problems, elevate standards, and build something meaningful together.